THN's Top 50 NHLers as voted by the players, 2011-12

Sidney Crosby has 12 points in only eight games this season, but is set to return to the lineup Thursday night against the Rangers. (Getty Images)

2012-03-15 10:00:00

For our March 19 issue of The Hockey News, we polled five players from each NHL team for who they thought were the top five players in the league today. Players couldn't vote for teammates. After tabulating the votes, we ended up with a ranking of the top 50 players in the NHL.

After releasing our list day-by-day, we are left with one last spot, the best NHLer as voted by the players, Sidney Crosby.

It just so happens No. 87 is returning from a concussion the same day we release this result online - we didn't plan it this way. But it's clear that, despite the time he's missed this season, his peers in the NHL recognize his supreme talents and accomplishments.

So, without further ado, here is the full top 50 ranking.

THE HOCKEY NEWS TOP 50 NHL PLAYERS

RK.

PLAYER

TEAM

JR. CLUB

BIO

1

Sidney Crosby

Rimouski

Born Aug. 7, 1987 in Cole Harbour, N.S. Drafted in the first round (first overall) by Pittsburgh in 2005. QMJHL Rookie of the Year in 2003-04 and playoff MVP in 2004-05. Captured WJC silver with Canada in 2004 and gold in 2005. Leading scorer in the Memorial Cup tournament in 2004-05. Canadian Major Junior leading scorer and player of the year in 2004 and 2005. Named to the NHL all-rookie team in 2006. Named a first-team NHL all-star in 2007. Earned Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2010. Earned the Lester B. Pearson Award in 2006-07. Scored 51 goals in 2009-10 to share Rocket Richard Trophy with Steven Stamkos. Scored 120 points in 2006-07 to earn Art Ross and Hart Trophies. Scored 15 goals and 31 points in 24 games en route to Stanley Cup championship with Pittsburgh in 2009. Earned Olympic gold with Canada in 2010. His 1.39 career points per game average is the best among active players. Signed through 2012-13 with $8.7 million cap hit.

2

Pavel Datsyuk

Ekaterinberg
(Rus.)

Born July 20, 1978 in Sverdlovsk (Ekaterinburg), Russia. Drafted in the sixth round (171st overall) by Detroit in 1998. Earned Olympic bronze with Russia in 2002. Finished with plus-41 rating in 2007-08 to lead the league. Awarded the Selke Trophy 2008, 2009 and 2010. Awarded the Lady Byng Trophy in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Scored six points in 21 post-season games en route to 2002 Stanley Cup championship and 23 points in 22 games en route to 2008 Stanley Cup championship with Detroit. Signed through 2013-14 with $6.7 million cap hit.

3

Claude Giroux

Gatineau

Born Jan. 12, 1988 in Hearst, Ont. Drafted in the first round (22nd overall) by Philadelphia in 2006. Named QMJHL playoff MVP in 2008. Earned WJC gold with Canada in 2008. Signed through 2013-14 with $3.75 million cap hit.

4

Steven Stamkos

Sarnia

Born Feb. 7, 1990 in Markham, Ont. Drafted in the first round (first overall) by Tampa Bay in 2008. Won WJC gold with Canada in 2008. Named a Canadian Major Junior first-team all-star in 2008. Scored 51 goals in 2009-10 to win the Rocket Richard Trophy. Currently leads NHL with 48 goals. Signed through 2015-16 with $7.5 million cap hit.

5

Jonathan Toews

North Dakota
(WCHA)

Born April 29, 1988 in Winnipeg. Drafted in the first round (third overall) by Chicago in 2006. Earned WJC gold with Canada in 2006 and 2007. Named to the NHL all-rookie team in 2007-08 with 54 points in 64 games. Scored seven goals and 29 points in 22 playoff games en route to Stanley Cup championship with Chicago and the Conn Smythe Trophy. Won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010. Signed through 2014-15 with $6.3 million cap hit.

6

Evgeni Malkin

Magnitogorsk
(Rus.)

Born July 31, 1986 in Magnitogorsk, Russia. Drafted in the first round (second overall) by Pittsburgh in 2004. Earned WJC silver with Russia in 2004 and 2005. Scored 33 goals and 85 points in 2006-07 to earn Calder Trophy. Named an NHL first-team all-star in 2008 and 2009. Scored 35 goals and 113 points in 2008-09 to win the Art Ross Trophy. Scored 14 goals and 36 points in 24 post-season games in 2009 en route to Stanley Cup championship with Pittsburgh and the Conn Smythe Trophy. Signed through 2013-14 with $8.7 million cap hit.

7

Nicklas Lidstrom

Vasteras
(Swe.)

Born April 28, 1970 in Vasteras, Sweden. Drafted in the third round (53rd overall) by Detroit in 1989. Named to the NHL all-rookie team in 1992. Winner of the Viking Award, given to Sweden's best NHL player, in 2000 and 2006. Winner of the Norris Trophy in 2001, '02, '03, '06, '07, '08, '11. Named an NHL first-team all-star in 1998, '99, 2000, '01, '02, '03, '06, '07, '08, '11. Winner of the Stanley Cup in 1997, '98, 2002, '08. Scored five goals and 16 points in 23 post-season games to earn Conn Smythe Trophy in 2002. Won Olympic gold with Sweden in 2006. Became the oldest to win the Norris Trophy at 41. Signed through 2011-12 at $6.2 million cap hit.

8

Alex Ovechkin

Dynamo Moscow
(Rus.)

Born Sept. 17, 1985 in Moscow. Drafted in the first round (first overall) by Washington in 2004. Won WJC gold with Russia in 2003 and silver in 2005. Scored 52 goals and 106 points in 2005-06 to earn the Calder Trophy. Scored 65 goals in 2008 and 56 goals in 2009 to win the Rocket Richard Trophy. Scored 112 points in 2007-08 to earn the Art Ross Trophy. Winner of the Hart Trophy and Lester B. Pearson Award in 2008 and 2009. Winner of the Ted Lindsay Award in 2009-10. Named an NHL first-team all-star in 2006, '07, '08, '09, '10. Signed through 2020-21 with $9.538 million cap hit.

9

Daniel Sedin

MODO
(Swe.)

Born. Sept. 26, 1980 in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden. Drafted in the first round (second overall) in 1999. Named an NHL first-team all-star in 2011. Winner of the Viking Award in 2011. Scored 41 goals and 104 points in 2010-11 to earn the Art Ross Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award. Won Olympic gold with Sweden in 2006. Signed through 2013-14 with $6.1 million cap hit.

10

Zdeno Chara

Trencin
(Svk.)

Born March 18, 1977 in Trencin, Slovakia. Drafted in the third round (56th overall) by the Islanders in 1996. Traded to Ottawa with Bill Muckalt and a first-rounder for Alexei Yashin. Signed with Boston in 2006. Named an NHL first-team all-star in 2004 and 2009. Had 50 points in 80 games in 2008-09 to earn the Norris Trophy. Finished plus-33 in 2010-11, best in the NHL. Winner of the Mark Messier Leader of the Year Award in 2010-11. Scored two goals and nine points in 24 playoff games en route to Stanley Cup championship with Boston in 2011. Signed through 2017-18 with $6.9 million cap hit.

11

Henrik Sedin

MODO

(Swe.)

Born Sept. 26, 1980 in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden. Drafted in the first round (third overall) by Vancouver in 1999. Named an NHL first-team all-star in 2010 and 2011. Scored 29 goals and 112 points in 2009-10 to earn the Art Ross and Hart Trophies. Earned the Viking Award given to the best Swedish NHLer in 2010. Earned Olympic gold with Sweden in 2006. Has not missed an NHL game in the post-lockout era. Signed through 2013-14 with $6.1 million cap hit.

12

Shea Weber

Kelowna

Born Aug. 14, 1985 in Sicamous, B.C. Drafted in the second round (49th overall) by Nashville in 2003. Won 2004 Memorial Cup with the Kelowna Rockets. Won WJC gold with Canada in 2005. Named a first-team NHL all-star in 2010-11. Named a Norris Trophy finalist in 2010-11. Won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010. Signed through 2011-12 wth $7.5 million cap hit. Eligible for RFA status in July.

13

Henrik Lundqvist

Frolunda (Swe.)

Born March 2, 1982 in Are, Sweden. Drafted in the seventh round (205th overall) by the Rangers in 2000. Named to the NHL's all-rookie team in 2005-06. First goalie to win 30 games in his first seven NHL seasons. Won Olympic gold with Sweden in 2006. Signed through 2013-14 with $6.875 million cap hit.

14

Tim Thomas

Vermont

Born April 15, 1974 in Flint, Mich. Drafted in the ninth round (217th overall) by Quebec in 1994. Signed by ths Boston Bruins in 2002. Made NHL debut at 28 years old. Named an NCAA first-team all-American in 1996. Named NHL first-team all-star in 2009 and 2011. Winner of the Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award in 2009 and 2011. Shared William Jennings Trophy with Manny Fernandez in 2009. Winner of the Vezina Trophy in 2009 and 2011. Went 16-9 with 1.98 GAA and .940 SP en route to Stanley Cup championship with Boston and Conn Smythe Trophy in 2011. Signed through 2012-13 with $5 million cap hit.

15

Martin St-Louis

Vermont

Born June 18, 1975 in Laval, Que. Signed as undrafted free agent by Calgary in 1998. Signed as UFA by Tampa Bay in 2000. Named ECAC player of the year in 1995. Named an NHL first-team all-star in 2004. Finsihed with NHL's best plus-minus (tied with Marek Malik) in 2003-04 at plus-35. Scored 38 goals and 94 points in 2003-04 to earn Lester B. Pearson Award, Art Ross Trophy and Hart Trophy. Winner of the Lady Byng Trophy in 2010 and 2011. Scored nine goals and 24 points 23 games en route to Stanley Cup championship with Tampa Bay in 2004. Signed through 2014-15 with $5.625 million cap hit.

16

Phil Kessel

USNTDP

Born Oct. 2, 1987 in Madison, Wisc. Drafted in the first round (fifth overall) by Boston in 2006. Traded to Toronto in 2009 for two first round picks (Tyler Seguin and Dougie Hamilton). Named WCHA rookie of the year with Minnesota Golden Gophers in 2005-06. Awarded Bill Masterton Trophy in 2006-07. Won Olympic silver with USA in 2010. Signed through 2013-14 with $5.4 million cap hit.

17

Pekka Rinne

Karpat (Fin.)

Born Nov. 3, 1982 in Kempele, Finland. Drafted in the eighth round (258th overall) by Nashville in 2004. Named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2010-11. Holds Predators franchise record with 24 shutouts. Signed through 2018-19 with $7 million cap hit (contract kicks in next season).

18

Jaromir Jagr

Kladno (Cze.)

Born Feb. 15, 1972 in Kladno, Czech. Drafted in the first round (fifth overall) by Pittsburgh in 1990. Traded to Washington in 2001 for Kris Beech, Michal Sivek and Ross Lupaschuk. Traded to the Rangers in 2004 for Anson Carter. Signed with Philadelphia in 2011. Won WJC bronze with Czech Republic in 1990. Scored 13 points in in 24 playoff games en route to 1991 Stanley Cup championship with Pittsburgh and 24 points in 21 games en route to second championship in 1992. Named a first-team all-star in 1995, '96, '98, '99, 2000, '01, '06. Winner of the Lester B. Pearson Award in 1999, 2000 and 2006. Won the Art Ross Trophy in 1995 (70 points in 48 games), 1998 (102 points), 1999 (127 points), 2000 (96 points) and 2001 (121 points). Awarded the Hart Trophy in 1999. Won Olympic gold with Czech Republic in 1998 and bronze in 2006. Ranks eighth all-time in NHL points with 1,643. Signed through 2011-12 with $3.3 million cap hit. Eligible for UFA status in July.

19

Corey Perry

London

Born May 16, 1985 in Peterborough, Ont. Drafted in the first round (28th overall) by Anaheim in 2003. Won WJC gold with Canada in 2005. Won Memorial Cup with London in 2005 and was named MVP of the tournament. Scored six goals and 15 points in 21 games en route to Stanley Cup championship in 2007. Named a first-team NHL all-star in 2010-11. Captured the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2010-11 with 50 goals and awarded the Hart Trophy. Won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010. Signed through 2012-13 with $5.325 million cap hit.

20

Henrik Zetterberg

Timra (Swe.)

Born Oct. 9, 1980 in Njurunda, Swe. Drafted in the seventh round (210th overall) by Detroit in 1999. Named Rookie of the Year in the Swedish Elitserien in 2000-01. Named to the NHL all-rookie team in 2002-03. Earned the Viking Award, given to the best Swede playing in North America, in 2007 and 2008. Won Olympic gold with Sweden in 2006. Scored 13 goals and 27 points in 22 games en route to Stanley Cup championship in 2008 and awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy. Signed through 2020-21 with $6.083 million cap hit.

21

Nicklas Backstrom

Brynas (Swe.)

Born Nov. 23, 1987 in Gavle, Sweden. Drafted in the first round (fourth overall) in 2006 by Washington. Named rookie of the year in the Swedish Elitserien in 2005-06. Earned the Viking Award given to the best Swedish-born player in 2008-09. Named to NHL all-rookie team in 2007-08. Signed through 2019-20 with $6.7 million cap hit.

22

Erik Karlsson

Frolunda (Swe.)

Born May 31, 1990 in Landsbro, Sweden. Drafted in the first round (15th overall) in 2008 by Ottawa. Earned WJC silver with Sweden in 2009 and named the tournament's best defenseman. Signed through 2011-12 with $1.3 million cap hit. Eligible for RFA status in July.

23

Drew Doughty

Guelph

Born Dec. 8, 1989 in London, Ont. Drafted in the first round (second overall) in 2008. Won WJC gold with Canada in 2008. Named to the NHL all-rookie team in 2008-09. Signed through 2018-19 with $7 million cap hit.

24

Joe Thornton

Sault Ste. Marie

Born July 2, 1979 in London, Ont. Drafted in the first round (first overall) in 1997 by Boston. Traded to San Jose for Marco Sturm, Brad Stuart and Wayne Primeau in 2005. Won WJC gold with Canada in 1997. Scored 29 goals and 125 points in 2005-06 to earn the Art Ross and Hart Trophies. Named as a first-team all-star in 2005-06. Won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010. Signed through 2013-14 with $7 million cap hit.

25

Ryan Getzlaf

Calgary

Born May 10, 1985 in Regina, Sask. Drafted in the first round (19th overall) in 2003 by Anaheim. Won WJC gold with Canada in 2005 and silver in 2004. Scored seven goals and 17 points in 21 games en route to Stanley Cup championship with Anaheim in 2007. Won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010. Signed through 2012-13 with $5.325 million cap hit.

26

Jarome Iginla

Kamloops

Born July 1, 1977 in Edmonton. Drafted in the first round (11th overall) in 1995 by Dallas. Traded with Corey Millen to Calgary for Joe Nieuwendyk in 1995. Won Memorial Cup with Kamloops in 1994 ad 1995. Won WJC gold with Canada in 1996. Won Olympic gold with Canada in 2002 and 2010. Scored 52 goals and 96 points in 2001-02 to earn Art Ross Trophy, Lester Pearson Award and Rocket Richard Trophy. Scored 41 goals in 2003-04 to win second Rocket Richard Trophy (tied with Ilya Kovalchuk and Rick Nash). Named to NHL all-rookie team in 1996-97. Named a first-team all-star in 2002, 2008 and 2009. Winner of King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2004. Given Mark Messier Leader of the Year Award in 2009. Signed through 2012-13 with $7 million cap hit.

27

Ilya Kovalchuk

Krylja Sovetov

Born April 15, 1983 in Tver, Russia. Drafted in the first round (first overall) by Atlanta in 2001. Traded with Anssi Salmela to Devils for Niclas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya, Patrice Cormier and two draft picks. Won Olympic bronze with Russia in 2002. Scored 41 goals in 2003-04 to earn Rocket Richard Trophy (tie with Rick Nash and Jarome Iginla). Has eight consecutive 30-goal seasons, with 25 scored this season. Signed through 2024-25 with $6.66 million cap hit.

28

Brad Richards

Rimouski

Born May 2, 1980 in Murray Harbour, P.E.I. Drafted in the third round (64th overall) by Tampa Bay in 1998. Traded to Dallas with Johan Holmqvist for Mike Smith, Jeff Halpern and Jussi Jokinen in 2008. Signed with New York Rangers in 2011. Won WJC bronze with Canada in 2000. Won Memorial Cup with Rimouski in 2000 and was named MVP of the tournament. Named QMJHL MVP and playoff MVP in 2000. Awarded Lady Byng Trophy in 2003-04. Scored 12 goals and 26 points in 23 games en route to Conn Smythe Trophy and Stanley Cup championship with Tampa Bay in 2004. Signed through 2019-20 with $6.66 million cap hit.

29

Zach Parise

North Dakota

Born July 28, 1984 in Minneapolis. Drafted in the first round (17th overall) in 2003 by New Jersey. Won WJC gold with USA in 2004. Has scored more points than any other American player since the lockout. Won Olympic silver with USA in 2010. Signed through 2011-12 with $6 million cap hit. Eligible for UFA status in July.

30

Anze Kopitar

Sodertalje (Swe.)

Born Aug. 24, 1987 in Jesenice, Slovenia. Drafted in the first round (11th overall) by Los Angeles in 2005. First Slovenian to play in the NHL. Has finished as the Kings' top scorer five years in a row and currently leads with 55 points. Signed through 2015-16 with $6.8 million cap hit.

31

Marian Gaborik

Trencin

Born Feb. 14, 1982 in Trencin, Slovakia. Drafted in the first round (third overall) in 2000 by Minnesota. Earned WJC bronze medal with Slovakia in 1999. Signed as free agent by the New York Rangers in 2009. Has seven 30-goal seasons in the NHL. Has missed 167 games due to injury in his career. Scored five goals in a game against the Rangers in 2007. Signed through 2013-14 with $7.5 million cap hit.

32

Patrick Kane

London

Born Nov. 19, 1988 in Buffalo, N.Y. Drafted in the first round (first overall) in 2007 by Chicago. Won bronze with USA at 2007 WJC. Won Olympic silver with USA in 2010. Named CHL rookie of the year in 2006-07. Scored 72 points in 82 games and won Calder Trophy in 2007-08. Named first-team NHL all-star in 2009-10. Scored 10 goals and 28 points in 22 playoff games en route to Stanley Cup championship with Chicago in 2010. Has four consecutive 20-goal seasons (16 goals this season). Signed through 2014-15 with $6.3 million cap hit.

33

Rick Nash

London

Born June 16, 1984 in Brampton, Ont. Selected in the first round (first overall) by Columbus in 2002. Named OHL rookie of the year in 2000-01. Won WJC silver with Canada in 2002. Named to NHL's all-rookie team in 2002-03. Scored 41 goals in 2003-04 to earn Rocket Richard Trophy (tied with Ilya Kovalchuk and Jarome Iginla). Has six 30-goal seasons (24 goals this season). Signed through 2017-18 with $7.8 million cap hit.

34

Ryan Suter

USNTDP

Born Jan. 21, 1985 in Madison, Wisc. Drafted in the first round (seventh overall) in 2003 by Nashville. Won WJC gold with USA in 2004. Named to WCHA all-rookie team in 2003-04 with Wisconsin Badgers. Earned Olympic silver with USA in 2010. Has a career plus-42 rating. Signed through 2011-12 with $3.5 million cap hit - eligible for UFA status in July.

35

Patrice Bergeron

Acadie-Bathurst

Born July 24, 1985 in Ancienne-Lorette, Que. Drafted in the second round (45th overall) in 2003 by Boston. Won WJC gold with Canada in 2005. Won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010. Scored six goals and 20 points in 23 games en route to Stanley Cup championship with Boston in 2011. Signed through 2013-14 with $5 million cap hit.

36

David Krejci

Gatineau

Born April 28, 1986 in Sternberk, Czech Republic. Drafted in the second round (63rd overall) in 2004 by Boston. Finished with a plus-37 in 2008-09 to finish as the NHL's plus-minus leader. Scored 12 goals and 23 points in 25 games en route to a Stanley Cup championship with the Bruins in 2011. Signed through 2014-15 with a $5.25 million cap hit.

37

Tuukka Rask

Ilves (Fin.)

Born March 10, 1987 in Savonlinna, Finland. Drafted in the first round (21st overall) by Toronto in 2005. Traded to the Bruins for Andrew Raycroft in 2006. Posted a .931 SP in 2009-10 to earn the Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award. Played backup to Tim Thomas en route to a Stanley Cup championship with Bostin in 2011. Signed through 2011-12 with a $1.25 million cap hit.

38

Marian Hossa

Portland

Born Jan. 12, 1979 in Stara Lubovna, Slovakia. Drafted in the first round (12th overall) in 1997 by Ottawa. Traded to Atlanta for Dany Heatley in 2005. Traded to Pittsburgh for Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, Angelo Esposito and a first-rounder in 2008. Signed with the Blackhawks in 2009. Won the Memorial Cup with the Portland Winterhawks in 1998. Named WHL rookie of the year in 1997-98. Named a second-team NHL all-star in 2009. Scored three goals and 15 points in 22 games en route to Stanley Cup championship with Chicago in 2010. Signed through 2020-21 with a $5.275 million cap hit.

39

Jason Spezza

Windsor

Born June 13, 1983 in Toronto. Drafted in the first round (second overall) in 2001 by Ottawa. Played one OHL year as a 15-year-old underager. Won WJC bronze with Canada in 2000 and 2001 and silver in 2002. Scored 117 points in 80 AHL games in 2004-05 to earn MVP honors. Scored seven goals and 22 points in 20 games en route to Stanley Cup final loss in 2007. Signed through 2014-15 with $7 million cap hit.

40

Marc-Andre Fleury

Cape Breton

Born Nov. 28, 1984 in Sorel, Que. Drafted in the first round (first overall) by Pittsburgh in 2003. Won WJC silver with Canada in 2003 and 2004. Went 16-8 with a 2.61 GAA and .908 SP in 2009 playoffs en route to Stanley Cup championship with Pittsburgh. Signed through 2014-15 with $5 million cap hit.

41

Kris Letang

Val-d'Or

Born April 24, 1987 in Montreal, Que. Drafted in the third round (62nd overall) by Pittsburgh in 2005. Scored four goals and 13 points in 23 games en route to Stanley Cup championship with Pittsburgh in 2008-09. Won gold medal with Canada at World Junior Championship in 2006 and 2007. Signed through 2013-14 with $3.5 million cap hit.

42

Mike Richards

Kitchener

Born Feb. 11, 1985 in Kenora, Ont. Drafted in the first round (24th overall) by Philadelphia in 2003. Traded with Rob Bordson to Los Angeles for Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and second-rounder in 2011. Won Memorial Cup with Kitchener in 2003. Won Calder Cup with Philadelphia Phantoms in 2005. Won silver with Canada at WJC in 2004 and gold in 2005. Won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010. Signed through 2019-20 with $5.75 million cap hit.

43

Milan Lucic

Vancouver

Born June 7, 1988 in Vancouver. Drafted in the second round (50th overall) by Boston in 2006. Won Memorial Cup with Vancouver Giants in 2007 and was named tournament MVP. Scored five goals and 12 points in 25 games en route to Stanley Cup championship with Boston in 2011. Signed through 2012-13 with $4.083 million cap hit.

44

Duncan Keith

Michigan St.

Born July 16, 1983 in Winnipeg. Drafted in the second round (54th overall) by Chicago in 2002. Winner of the Norris Trophy in 2009-10 with 69 points in 82 games. Was named a first-team all-star in 2010. Won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010. Scored 17 points in 22 games en route to Stanley Cup championship with Chicago in 2010. Signed through 2022-23 with $5.538 million cap hit.

45

Teemu Selanne

Jokerit (Fin.)

Born July 3, 1970 in Helsinki, Finland. Drafted in the first round (10th overall) by Winnipeg in 1988. Traded to Anaheim for Chad Kilger, Oleg Tverdovsky and third-rounder in 1996. Traded to San Jose for Jeff Friesen, Steve Shields and second-rounder in 2001. Signed with Colorado in 2003. Signed with Anaheim in 2005. Set NHL rookie record with 76 goals in 1992-93 and won Calder Trophy. Named a second-team all-star in 1998 and 1999, named a first-team all-star in 1993 and 1997. Won Rocket Richard Trophy in 1999 with 47 goals. Won Olympic silver with Finland in 2006 and bronze in 1998 and 2010. Won Bill Masterton Trophy in 2005-06. Scored five goals and 15 points in 21 games en route to Stanley Cup championship with Anaheim in 2007. Signed through 2011-12 season at $4 million cap hit.

46

Miikka Kiprusoff

TPS (Fin.)

Born Oct. 26, 1976 in Turku, Finland. Drafted in the fifth round (116th overall) by San Jose in 1995. Traded to Calgary in 2003 for second round pick (Marc-Edouard Vlasic). Vezina Trophy winner, Jennings Trophy winner and first-team all-star in 2005-06. Won Olympic Bronze with Finland in 2010. Was 15-11 with 1.85 GAA and .928 SP in leading the Flames to 2004 Stanley Cup final, where they lost to Tampa Bay. Signed through 2013-14 with $5.833 million cap hit.

47

Ryan Miller

Mich. St.

Born July 17, 1980 in East Lansing, Mich. Drafted in the fifth round (138th overall) by Buffalo in 1999. Vezina Trophy winner and first-team all-star in 2009-10. Named AHL's best goaltender in 2004-05. Hobey Baker Award winner in 2000-01. CCHA goaltender of the year in 1999-00, 2000-01 and 2001-02. Won Olympic Silver medal with USA in 2010. His 240 wins are most in Sabres history. Signed through 2013-14 with $6.25 million cap hit.

48

Jordan Eberle

Regina

Born May 15, 1990 in Regina, Sask. Drafted in the first round (22nd overall) by Edmonton in 2008. Named Canadian major junior player of the year in 2009-10. Won Gold and Silver at 2009 and 2010 world junior championships and is Canada's second all-time leading scorer at the tournament with 26 points, five behind Eric Lindros. Signed through 2012-13 with $1.158 million cap hit (entry-level deal).

49

Patrick Marleau

Seattle

Born Sept. 15, 1979 in Aneroid, Sask. Drafted in the first round (second overall) by San Jose in 1997. Won Olympic Gold medal with Canada in 2010. His 818 points in 1,097 games are the most in Sharks franchise history. Signed through 2013-14 with $6.9 million cap hit.

50

Vincent Lecavalier

Rimouski

Born April 21, 1980 in Ile Bizard, Que. Drafted in the first round (first overall) by Tampa Bay in 1998. Won King Clancy Award as NHL's Humanitarian of the Year in 2007-08. Winner of Rocket Richard Trophy with 52 goals in 2006-07 and named as a second-team all-star. Scored nine goals and 16 points in 23 playoff games en route to Stanley Cup championship in 2003-04. Named Canadian major junior rookie of the year in 1997-98. Signed through 2019-20 with $7.727 million cap hit.